Nicole Long Edwards credits her Roxboro Community School (RCS) art teacher for her discovery that creativity and business could be combined for a rewarding career.
After graduating from RCS in 2013, Nicole attended Appalachian State University, graduating summa cum laude in 2017 with a bachelor of science degree in interior design and a minor in marketing. She said the two areas allow her to strike the “perfect balance between” her passions for creativity and business.
“I didn’t even know it was a career option until Mrs. Anne Bettendorf suggested it to me during an 11th grade ceramics class,” said Nicole. Now, she said, the skills she utilizes daily include “project management, written and verbal communication, artistic composition, graphic design, drafting, knowledge of building codes and standards, and relationship building.”
Nicole is now a designer with J. Banks Design Group in Hilton Head Island, S.C. The award-winning firm specializes in high-end residential, clubhouse, hospitality and commercial design, she explained. She has been with the firm since October 2018, and said she is honored to “work directly with clients to bring their unique vision and lifestyle requirements to fruition.”
She said RCS inspired her to pursue her dreams and equipped her with the knowledge and confidence to do so. Her memories include “in-depth seminar discussions in Mrs. Wanda Ball’s classes, and spending hours in the unfinished space (now the multipurpose room) creating prom decorations and a graduation background.” She added that each experience had made a lasting impression on her.
“RCS inspired me to pursue my dreams and equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to do so,” she added.
During her high school years, Nicole was active in the marching band and color guard, as well as Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, (FBLA) Youth Legislative Assembly, (YLA) the prom committee, soccer, cross country and the French Club. She took on leadership roles in each of her extracurriculars.
When asked how she would advise current RCS students who are trying to make decisions about their futures, Nicole said, “I would encourage each student to reflect on his or her own skills and passions, and talk openly with teachers about what path to take. There is no right or wrong decision, and everyone’s path is unique. A great piece of advice I received as a student is this: ‘Choose a career path that meets at least two-thirds of [the following] criteria. If you can meet all three, that’s the key to career success and happiness.’” Those criteria are: Something you love to do; something you’re good at doing and something that there is a need for that can allow you to make money.
She continued, “Being from a small town doesn’t mean you must have small dreams. If you set your mind to something, and ensure every decision you make is leading you one step closer to that goal, you can reach it, or come very close. So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take initiative.
Nicole added, “I am so grateful for RCS and have loved watching the school grow over the years. Even beyond graduation, I have received continued support from teachers, and I hope to remain involved and continue to give back to the school which gave so much to me.”
Beyond her work, Nicole found personal happiness as well after her move to Hilton Head. There, she met the man who would become her husband.
“On April 16, 2022 I married SSG James Clayton Edwards III beneath a majestic canopy of Spanish moss-covered branches from a 350-year-old oak tree in Savannah, Ga.,” she said. “Though he is currently stationed abroad in Germany with the US Army, Clay is perhaps the biggest blessing I have received in life. I am immensely grateful to be supporting his service to our country and to be stepmom to his beautiful daughter Olivia,” she concluded.